If the weight of a package is multiplied by #5/7# the result is 40.5 pounds. What is the weight of the package?

1 Answer
Mar 30, 2016

#56.7color(white)(i)"pounds"#

Explanation:

#1#. Start by making a "let statement."

Let #x# represent the weight of the package.

#2#. Create an algebraic expression.

#5/7x=40.5color(white)(i)"pounds"#

#3#. Isolate for #x# by dividing both sides by #5/7#.

#5/7x-:5/7=40.5color(white)(i)"pounds"-:5/7#

#4#. Recall that in order to divide a fraction by another fraction, take the reciprocal of the divisor and change the division sign to a multiplication sign.

#5/7x*7/5=40.5color(white)(i)"pounds"*7/5#

#5#. Solve for #x#.

#(5*7)/(7*5)x=(40.5*7)/5color(white)(i)"pounds"#

#x=color(green)(|bar(ul(color(white)(a/a)56.7color(white)(i)"pounds"color(white)(a/a)|)))#